Leverkusen join Schalke in 2016 Florida Cup

Leverkusen - Bayer 04 Leverkusen can look forward to an 11-day training camp in Florida in January as part of their preparations for the season’s resumption following the winter break.

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez (pictured) and Co. will be in America’s sunshine state between 3 and 14 January, during which time they will play friendlies against Colombian side Independiente Santa Fe and Brazilian outfit SC Internacional, who boast former Leverkusen defender and Brazilian FIFA World Cup winner Juan in their side.

Royal Blue presence

This is the second year running in which Bayer have travelled to Florida for a mid-season training camp. Roger Schmidt’s charges also took part in the 2015 Florida Cup back in January, alongside local neighbours 1. FC Köln.

This year, the competition has been expanded to included eight teams, with FC Schalke 04 taking part for the first time. Brazilian duo Corinthians and Fluminense FC, who also competed in 2015, are reprising their roles as participants, with local outfit Fort Lauderdale Strikers and a fourth Brazilian side in Atletico Mineiro completing the line-up.

The games will be played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando.